United States Half Dime — Design Types, Key Dates & Values 1792–1873
1792–1873 • Flowing Hair • Draped Bust • Capped Bust • Seated Liberty • All Key Dates
Origins of the Half Dime
The Half Dime, first authorized under the Coinage Act of 1792, became one of the earliest federal coins and played an essential role in everyday commerce. Its introduction reflected Congress's effort to establish a stable national currency, an initiative signed into law by President George Washington. As one of the smallest silver denominations in circulation, the Half Dime helped support routine transactions in a young economy still finding its financial footing.
The very first half dimes — called "dismes" in keeping with the French-derived decimal system Congress adopted — were struck in 1792 as pattern or presentation pieces, possibly from silver personally provided by George Washington. These 1792 Half Dismes are among the most historically significant coins in American numismatics. Regular production began in 1794 and continued, with interruptions, through 1873, spanning five distinct design types and reflecting the artistic evolution of the United States Mint over eight decades.
Design Evolution
Designs for the early Half Dimes came from engraver Robert Scot, who introduced a flowing-hair Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse — imagery meant to project youthful strength and national identity. These motifs evolved over time but consistently reflected the artistic ambitions of the early Mint. Their delicate engraving and symbolic themes continue to draw collectors who appreciate the blend of artistry and early American history.
The series progressed through the Flowing Hair (1794–1795), Draped Bust (1796–1805), Capped Bust (1829–1837), and Seated Liberty (1837–1873) types. Each redesign brought a more refined and technically accomplished portrait of Liberty, culminating in Christian Gobrecht's elegant Seated Liberty design that dominated the denomination's final 36 years. The series also produced the unique 1792 Half Disme — historically positioned as the first US Mint coinage ever struck.
Half Dime Design Types & Key Dates
1792 Half Disme — First US Coin
Struck before the Mint building was complete, possibly from silver provided by Washington himself. Only 1,500 struck. The 1792 Half Disme is one of the most historically significant coins in American numismatics — the arguable "first coin" of the United States. Examples appear at major auctions only rarely.
Flowing Hair (1794–1795)
Robert Scot's first regular-issue half dime design. Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse, small eagle reverse. Only two dates — 1794 (fewer than 7,756 struck) and 1795. Both are genuinely scarce; the 1794 is a key date. Most survivors are circulated; gem examples are exceptional.
Draped Bust (1796–1805)
Scot's more refined Liberty with draped shoulders. Small eagle reverse (1796–1797) and heraldic eagle reverse (1800–1805). The 1796/4 overdate and 1796 LIKERTY error are popular varieties. No half dimes struck 1798–1799. The 1802 is the key date — only 3,060 struck.
Capped Bust (1829–1837)
William Kneass design — Liberty with a cloth cap. First half dimes with reeded edges. More coins survive in higher grades than earlier types. The 1829 first-year and 1837 final-year issues are slightly scarcer. A popular and accessible type for collectors entering early silver.
Seated Liberty — No Stars (1837–1838)
Christian Gobrecht's elegant seated Liberty design — the most artistically sophisticated half dime portrait. First year had no stars on the obverse. The 1837 No Stars and 1838-O (New Orleans, first branch mint half dime) are both key pieces. Stars were added mid-1838.
Seated Liberty — Stars & Arrows (1838–1873)
The longest-running half dime type. Multiple varieties including arrows at date (1853–1855, 1873) and legend on obverse (1860–1873). Key dates include the 1846 (27,000 struck), 1848-O, and 1870-S (unique — single example known). Common dates in circulated grades widely available.
Half Dime Value Quick Reference
| Type / Date | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | MS-63 | Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1792 Half Disme | $15,000+ | $35,000+ | $200,000+ | First US coin — major historical rarity | eBay → |
| 1794 Flowing Hair | $2,000–$3,500 | $6,000+ | Extremely rare | Key date, fewer than 7,756 struck | eBay → |
| 1795 Flowing Hair | $400–$700 | $800–$1,500 | $20,000+ | More available than 1794 | eBay → |
| 1802 Draped Bust | $5,000+ | $12,000+ | Museum quality | Great key date — 3,060 struck | eBay → |
| Draped Bust — common date | $150–$300 | $400–$800 | $15,000+ | 1800, 1801, 1803, 1805 | eBay → |
| Capped Bust — common date | $35–$65 | $70–$140 | $1,500–$4,000 | 1829–1837, most accessible type | eBay → |
| Seated Liberty — common date | $20–$40 | $40–$80 | $800–$2,500 | 1838–1873, most available in series | eBay → |
| 1846 Seated Liberty | $200–$400 | $500–$1,000 | $10,000+ | Low mintage key date — 27,000 struck | eBay → |
| 1870-S Seated Liberty | Unique — single example known | Rarest Seated Liberty half dime | eBay → | ||
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PCGS and NGC graded examples across all design types — from affordable Capped Bust common dates to the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust key dates.
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Collecting Half Dimes
For seasoned numismatists, Half Dimes offer a uniquely rewarding corner of early U.S. silver coinage. Their compact size and surprisingly intricate engraving make them standouts in any type set, and each major design — from Flowing Hair through Seated Liberty — captures a distinct moment in the Mint's artistic and technical evolution. Collectors who pursue the full progression gain not only aesthetic variety but also a deeper appreciation for how these small silver pieces reflected the ambitions of a developing nation.
A complete type set of half dimes requires representative examples of: the 1792 Half Disme, Flowing Hair, Draped Bust Small Eagle, Draped Bust Heraldic Eagle, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty No Stars, Seated Liberty Stars, and Seated Liberty Legend obverse. While the 1792 is prohibitively expensive for most collectors, the remaining types can be assembled with common dates at reasonable cost — making a near-complete half dime type set one of the more achievable goals in early American silver.
Legacy and Historical Impact
Half Dimes also serve as tangible artifacts of early American commerce, circulating at a time when every denomination played a critical role in stabilizing the young economy. Their designs reveal how the Mint balanced practicality with symbolism, using Liberty and the eagle to project national identity during decades of rapid change. Even after their retirement in 1873 and replacement by the copper-nickel Shield Nickel, these coins retained their significance as markers of early American ingenuity.
Today, well-preserved Half Dimes remain highly desirable, with certified examples commanding strong premiums due to their scarcity, artistry, and historical weight. For related early silver series, see our guides on Early Dimes and our Coin Price Guide.
Where to Buy Half Dime Coins
eBay — Certified Half Dimes
PCGS and NGC graded examples from all five design types. The most active marketplace for early American silver with specialist dealer listings updated daily.
Shop Certified on eBay →JM Bullion
Major US coin dealer with a broad inventory of classic American coins. Competitive pricing on certified early silver with insured shipping.
Shop JM Bullion →Kitco
Well-established precious metals and rare coin dealer. Transparent pricing and a trusted reputation among collectors of early US silver coinage.
Shop Kitco →Money Metals Exchange
Competitive premiums on classic US coins with a straightforward buying experience. Good selection of certified early American silver series.
Shop Money Metals →eBay — Seated Liberty Half Dimes
Filtered for the Seated Liberty type (1837–1873) — the longest-running and most available half dime design, including common dates in affordable circulated grades.
Shop Seated Liberty →FRC Coin Price Guide
Research current values for half dimes and all early American silver before buying or selling. Updated price data across all grades and design types.
View Price Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a US half dime?
The US half dime was a silver coin worth five cents — the predecessor to the modern nickel. It was produced from 1794 to 1873 (with a gap from 1806 to 1828) in five major design types: Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, and Seated Liberty. The 1792 Half Disme predates the regular series and is historically regarded as among the first coins struck by the United States Mint. Half dimes were replaced in 1873 by the copper-nickel Shield Nickel.
What is the 1792 Half Disme?
The 1792 Half Disme is one of the most historically significant coins in American numismatics — often cited as the very first coin struck by the United States Mint. Only 1,500 were produced, reportedly from silver personally provided by George Washington, before the Mint building was even completed. Most examples are well-worn from actual circulation. Examples in Fine condition sell for $35,000 or more; gem examples have exceeded $200,000 at major auctions.
What is the rarest half dime?
Among regular-issue business strikes, the 1870-S Seated Liberty half dime is unique — only one example is known, making it the rarest half dime in existence. The 1802 Draped Bust (3,060 struck) is the most famous key date that actually appears at auction. The 1794 Flowing Hair with fewer than 7,756 struck is the key to the earliest design type. The 1792 Half Disme, while not a regular-issue coin, is the most historically significant and valuable piece associated with the series.
How much is a half dime worth?
Common Seated Liberty half dimes in Good condition are worth $20–$40 — one of the most affordable ways to own early American silver. Common Capped Bust dates run $35–$100 in well-worn grades. The 1795 Flowing Hair starts around $400 in VG, the 1802 Draped Bust starts around $5,000, and the 1794 starts around $2,000. High-grade certified examples of any type command strong premiums above these baseline figures.
What are the five half dime design types?
The five design types are: Flowing Hair (1794–1795), Draped Bust with Small Eagle reverse (1796–1797), Draped Bust with Heraldic Eagle reverse (1800–1805), Capped Bust (1829–1837), and Seated Liberty (1837–1873). The Seated Liberty type itself has sub-varieties including No Stars (1837–1838), Stars on Obverse (1838–1859), and Legend on Obverse (1860–1873). Many collectors build type sets with one representative example of each major design.
Why were half dimes replaced by nickels?
Half dimes were discontinued in 1873 as part of the Coinage Act of 1873, which eliminated several older denominations. By that time, the copper-nickel three-cent piece and Shield Nickel (introduced 1866) had already proven that non-silver small coins were practical and durable. The rising price of silver and the government's preference for base-metal coinage for small denominations made the silver half dime economically inefficient to produce. The Shield Nickel, made of copper-nickel alloy, took over the five-cent role.
United States Half Dime Coin - This still remains the key reference for varieties for Liberty Seated Half Dimes, as these are designated under V numbers from this book.
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